<div id="attachment_733" style="width: 260px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><div><figure class="external-image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-733" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-733" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2010/01/50-pounds-fan.jpg" alt="It&apos;s that time again!" width="250" height="245"></figure></div>It&apos;s that time again!</div>
I remember when the January transfer window first came to football. Forgive me if I can’t remember the exact year but I remember FIFA decided that it was a good idea to help all the small clubs hold onto their top players for larger parts of a season. Nobody could have predicted the level of insanity and inflated pricing that it would have brought, but now January is a special time for football fans; almost like Christmas in the footballing world. Especially the last two days where we see all the panic buys, prompting many of us to ask why managers didn’t use the previous 30 days available to them – but that would be silly wouldn’t it? Just about every team in the Championship could arguably do with strengthening in the first month of the year and it will be interesting to see who is welcomed to the league and who we will be saying goodbye to:
Barnsley:
Mark Robbins has done a fine job so far but his biggest desire will most likely be a striker and Billy Sharp has been one of the names thrown around. Sheffield United may well want return him from his loan at Doncaster so they can cash in, but expect Yorkshire rivals to try all they can told hold onto their top player this season. Barnsley have agreed to extend the loan deals of Stoke players Ryan Shotton and Carl Dickinson so Robbins will be delighted that have those players as options. As far as departures, no major players have been rumoured to be leaving the club so watch this space.
Blackpool:
How much ambition does the Blackpool board have? Playoff contenders Blackpool have surprised many this season but they still have a lot of work to do. They’ve already supposedly failed to sign <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11728_5836645,00.html">Roman Torres</a> and there’s been and Holloway has admitted that players will only be coming in if they have the right character. No offers have come in for their players yet, but few would be surprised if some clubs tested the Seasider’s resolve on in form midfielder Charlie Adam; a player who has been a joy to watch all season.
Bristol City:
Not to look too much into anyones personal life but does anyone else think there was a heated Christmas affair at the Johnson household? Lee Johnson, son of Robbins manager Gary Johnson, has left the club for the injury struck Derby, on an original one-month loan deal; guess it wasn’t a Merry Christmas for all of us. The club is currently in a defensive crisis, so City fans should expect Christian Ribeiro to return to the club from his loan spell at Stockport. Targets have been discussed this week, but Johnson will no doubt be disappointed to learn that he must <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bristol_city/8439342.stm">fund himself</a> this month by selling players first.
Cardiff City:
Peter Ridsdale will become the most unpopular chairman in the country for a second time if he is lying about the club’s potential administration possibility, but Cardiff do need to strengthen their team if they want to keep up with those around them. Fabian Delph is thought to be high on Dave Jones’ list, as a midfielder appears to be the priority for this month. Villa don’t seem keen on loaning out young star Delph but there is no doubt that Cardiff will enquire and if they can bag the player in on loan it could allow another player to come in at the same time as Jones has been promisd £3 million to spend. Bristol Rovers star Chris Lines has also been touted, a player who’s contract is up at the end of the season; the right bid may be too good to turn down as Rovers will not want to risk losing him for nothing. An unusually quiet window in terms of rumours for Joe Ledley may be explained by new kid on the block Adam Matthews, who is courting interest from big teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal. Let’s see if the Bluebirds can hold on.
Coventry City:
It’s common practice for English clubs to raid the Irish leagues these days, and Coventry have moved quickly to snap up Gary Deegan. Richard Woods and Chris Hussey have made their loan moves permanent, business Chris Coleman is delighted with and their is a move in the pipe line for league one stand out Carl Baker who has impressed many this season. It certainly appears as if Coleman is doing all he can to fight off the relegation threat to the club and we may even expect more new arrivals at the Ricoh arena. Coleman will not be happy however to hear that Sunderland have an eye on goalkeeper Kieran Westwood and the club must do everything in their power to keep one of the leagues top goalkeepers.
Crystal Palace:
Will any money be spent? No. Palace have <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11706_5818892,00.html">struggled to find the green stuff </a>this season and a team that was already quite inexperienced may get even more so by the end of the window. Palace are even in danger of losing their manager Neil Warnock as he eyes up the chance to manage league counterparts Sheffield Wednesday. You must have been living under a rock if you haven’t heard the name Victor Moses linked with just about every club above Palace in the country and Palace have certainly shown they aren’t going to be pushed over despite their monetary problems as they’ve set an asking price of £5 million. Expect more stories about players going out this month as opposed to players coming in.
Derby County:
Derby need new faces fast. They’ve been hit so badly with injuries that Nigel Clough has struggled to get a consistent team together that understands how they play. An ambitious side that would be appealing to any player really, a striker is top of their list. Michael Symes, James Vaughan and Fredrik Stoor are all on Clough’s radar as the Rams look to get someone quality up front. Danny Buijs of Ado Den Haag was keen on a move to the club but this may have fallen through due to his clubs reluctance to loan him out. Recently fit again Kris Commons is attracting interest from the Premiership, Wolves have their eye on the talented midfielder.
Doncaster Rovers:
There’s not much coming out of Donny at the moment. Billy Sharp has recently won PFA player of the month and the Keepmoat outfit will be hoping that Sheffield United don’t exercise their option to recall the front man. A rumoured move for Daniel Cousin seems unlikely, especially considering that QPR are in advanced talks with the player. Martin Woods has been making some eye catching performances this season and the club will be trying to fend off the likes of Cardiff and Middlesbrough this month so they can hold onto him.
Ipswich Town:
Roy Keane has already spent quite a lot of money as manager of Ipswich and results on the pitch have not reflected this. Giovanni Dos Santos is wanted by the tractor boys once again and may well be one of a few signings coming in this month unless players move out. Tamas Priskin has been a flop since his £1.7m move and may well be heading towards the exit door this month and could well pave the way for Derby striker Rob Hulse.
Leicester City:
If Nigel Pearson had plans at the start season for this transfer window then he may well want to throw them out of the window and reassess. City are another admirer of Chris Lines and will be part of a bidding war for him. A bizarre move for Edgar Davids may materialise as well, chairman Milan Mandaric has spoken of his admiration of the former Dutch international recently; paying his wages may be another issue though (maybe he has another with all that tax dodging he’s been up to). Top scorer Matt Fryatt has been watched by Wigan recently and Pearson will not fancy losing him.
Middlesbrough:
Kris Boyd would be a huge capture for the troubled North East side and Boro are certainly <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/8442623.stm">considering that avenue</a> due to Rangers current financial difficulties. Signs would suggest that Strachan is keen to utilise his knowledge of the Scottish leagues, as his former players Gary Caldwell and Scott McDonald have both been suggested as Boro arrivals. In any case expect many arrivals for the short-handed side as Didier Digard prepares to depart the Riverside.
Newcastle United:
Chris Hughton has got money available to him and Jermaine Beckford seems more and more likely to join the Geordies after <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leeds_united/8444552.stm">recently handing in another transfer request</a>. A defender is also a desire for the Toon, but don’t expect Matthew Killgallon to move to the North East, the defender has now committed to Sheffield United until the end of the season. Former Ballon D’or nominee (that’s right) Geremi made a little unannounced detour on his way to Angola to meet up with potential new club Ankaragucu. Although they haven’t actually agreed anything with Newcastle the Turkish side still decided to throw the confetti and a party for the player; talk about confidence!
Nottingham Forrest:
Could anyone really play their way into this in form side? Forrest fans will be hoping that Billy Davies can make some signings as to maintain their promotion push and former England international Nicky Shorey is their first priority. It’s been highly reported for a while that the club has an interest in Tottenham’s Gareth Bale but this may be quite unlikely as it is unknown what Harry Redknapp wants to do with the player. Swindon’s Charlie Austin could be a more likely transfer although this is a light rumour as of now. There has been little interest from any clubs so far in Forrest players.
Peterborough United:
Another non-league player comes in (surprise Posh fans!) Josh Simpson. Aldershot’s Marvin Morgan has been attracting interest, although this may seem unlikely now the club has captured Reuben Reid from West Brom. Izale McLeod is the subject of interest from the Posh, but they face interest from Scottish Premier League side Hearts. The traditional round of Joe Lewis leaving rumours have begun already, particularly after Barry Fry told Harry Redknapp he had first option on the player – Redknapp later telling everyone. Good one Barry.
Plymouth Argyle:
So far for Plymouth its been more a case of who’s leaving this month. However, the green army could be tempted to bring back out of favour Hull player Peter Halmosi. It is a bit unknown who new boss Paul Mariner is after, as the club have seen defenders Kirsztan Timar and Marcel Seip both leave already and Steven MacLean is more than likely on his way out too. Tough times on the south coast.
Preston North End:
<a href="http://www.championshiptalk.com/can-darren-ferguson-take-preston-to-the-premiership/720">Darren Ferguson</a> returns to the Championship almost instantly and has taken the reigns at the famous outfit of Preston North End. If you’ve read Daniel Cragg’s post on this site then I don’t need to tell you that there isn’t a lot of money for Preston, but changes need to be made. Neil Collins has joined on a permanent deal already but due to Ferguson’s arrival being so recent its hard to tell who he wants to bring in at this time. Sorry Preston fans!
Queens Park Rangers:
Signings galore for the London outfit? You wouldn’t be wrong. The team has already apparently agreed a deal for Daniel Cousin who will join up after the African Cup Of Nations and the club also has apparently made an enquiry about the well-travelled Amdy Faye. Markus Jonsson of AIK in Sweden is also hoping for a move to England and QPR may well be his outlet to fulfil that ambition. Adel Taarabt may return to Tottenham unfortunately for QPR, but the player has his heart set on staying with Rangers.
Reading:
Gunnar Thorvaldsson has become another member of the ever-growing Icelandic contingent at Reading but apart from that there are few players being linked with the club due to their lack of a manager. Reading have managed to hold onto Simon Church after he signed a new deal with the club and they also harbour an ambition that Gylfi Sigurdsson can continue his impressive displays with Reading as opposed to someone else.
Scunthorpe United:
Craig Dawson of Rochdale is a player Nigel Adkins would dearly love at his disposal, but Rochdale seem adamant he is going nowhere. Scunthorpe seem to see Rochdale as somewhat of a market stall this January if you believe their interest in striker Chris O’Grady. Michael Raynes seems a very likely arrival for the Irons, the Stockport defenders contract is up in the summer and his club are likely to want to make some sort of profit on him. George Friend has been recalled by Wolves, meaning the Irons only have one left back at the club, so that position is likely to be Adkins priority.
Sheffield United:
Due to Matthew Killgallons apparent commitment to the club, Kevin Blackwell is unlikely to have the money he thought he would this window. Richard Creswell has come in from Stoke already but former loanee Greg Halford will not be returning to the club as he wants to battle for his place at Wolves. As mentioned above, Marcel Seip has joined on loan for the rest of the season and it may not be the end of the dealings for a heavily injury struck squad.
Sheffield Wednesday:
The club is looking to the future, as <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11703_5837382,00.html">ten Australian players</a> are currently on trial with the club. Tom Soares has extended his loan deal but the most prominent potential transfer for Wednesday at the moment is their managerial position. As mentioned above, Neil Warnock is interested in the job and is the bookies favourite to get the job.
Swansea City:
Could Paulo Sousa, the manager, leave Swansea this January? Burnley have an eye on the talented Portuguese gaffer but the Swans want to hold on. Lee Trundle has extended his loan deal at the club, much to the fans delight and the club may be in the market for another striker to solve their goal shyness. Kevin Phillips, Vincent Pericard and Tamas Priskin have all been linked with the club, so watch this space. The club will also be doing everything they can to hold onto Andrea Orlandi as a few scouts have been watching him over the past few weeks.
Watford:
Your guess is as good as mine? Probably nothing will be happening this month as Malky Mackay wants to keep all his players, particularly Scott Roach and the threat of administration means there will be few arrivals for the hornets.
West Bromwich Albion:
Ishmael Miller is almost back from injury and will feel like a new signing upon his return and it remains to be seen whether or not the club can meet Crystal Palace’s valuation of Victor Moses. Gabriel Tamas has joined on loan from Auxerre and brings a wealth of experience with him. Marcus Haber may also be on his way in, while Robert Koren is expected to be shipped out of the Hawthorns as the Albion have a wealth of depth at their disposal.

January Transfer Window: What Will Happen?

January Transfer Window: What Will Happen? - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13556" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/england-v-USA.jpg" alt="england v USA" width="298" height="134"></figure></div>
Simon Kuper and Stefan Syzmanski titled the American version of their new book Soccernomics (review is <a href="http://epltalk.com/soccer-by-the-numbers-soccernomics-reviewed/13261">here</a>), but their title for the&nbsp;release in the UK is Why England Lose.&nbsp; In the book, Kuper and Syzmanski identified the US as a rising power in soccer and England as a permanent disappointment to their rabid fans.&nbsp; With all the caveats that their analysis is designed to look at trends over time and not the outcome of one game, the June 12 match-up between the US and England in South Africa will be a mini-test case for their theory.
Kuper and Syzmanski believe that national team greatness is based on three factors – wealth, size and experience.&nbsp; For purposes of this argument, England and the US are equally as wealthy.&nbsp; The soccer playing male population over the age of 12 is probably a little larger in England, but the US is catching up fast and will probably surpass them any moment now.&nbsp; However, it is in experience where, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, the US is outgunning England.
Kuper and Syzmanski define experience as the collective different types of soccer under which a team and its coaches have played.&nbsp; For example, one of the main reasons for Brazil’s success, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, is that their players have played in a large variety of leagues all over Europe.&nbsp; The Brazilian team is full of players who play in the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, and other great leagues in Europe.&nbsp; When he was considered the best player in the world, Ronaldo was a one man soccer travel guide.&nbsp; He had done a stint in Holland (PSV), two tours of Spain (Barca and Real Madrid) and two tours of Italy (Inter and AC Milan).&nbsp; By experiencing these different leagues, and learning how to master them, Ronaldo made himself unstoppable.
Conversely, Kuper and Syzmanski believe that England always disappoints because the English players only master how to succeed in England.&nbsp; English players rarely travel across the channel to gain experience anywhere else.&nbsp; They play for English clubs, usually under English managers, against English opponents, and learn only how to beat other English teams.&nbsp; Unfortunately, when it comes time to go to the World Cup or the Euro tournament, the team that they are best suited to beat (England) is the one team they will never oppose.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is for this reason that England has not reached the final of a major tournament in over 40 years, and during that time did not qualify for either a Euro or World Cup Finals seven times.
If you project out the most likely team to line up against the US in South Africa, you see this problem in spades.&nbsp; My projection of the starters and reserves England will field next June is a team that not only plays all its club soccer in England – it does not have a single player who has ever played for a non-English club team.&nbsp; The only country in the World Cup Finals that can match England’s insularity is North Korea.
English Starters (Club Team Country)
<ul>
<li>David James – England</li>
<li>Ashley Cole – England</li>
<li>Rio Ferdinand – England</li>
<li>John Terry – England</li>
<li>Glen Johnson – England</li>
<li>Aaron Lennon – England</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>Frank Lampard – England</li>
<li>Steven Gerrard – England</li>
<li>Joe Cole – England</li>
<li>Wayne Rooney – England</li>
<li>Jermaine Defoe – England</li>
</ul>
English Reserves (Club Team Country)
<ul>
<li>Paul Robinson – England</li>
<li>Wayne Bridge – England</li>
<li>Mathew Upson – England</li>
<li>Theo Walcott – England</li>
<li>Gareth Barry – England</li>
<li>Michael Carrick – England</li>
<li>Darren Bent – England</li>
</ul>
Conversely, the US team is a tribute to diversity.&nbsp; In my projected starting XI, nine different nations are represented in the players’ club history.&nbsp; Add in the reserves, and you are adding in another two countries.
US Starters (Club Team Country)
<ul>
<li>Tim Howard – US/England</li>
<li>Jonathan Spector – England</li>
<li>Oguchi Onyewu – Belgium/Italy</li>
<li>Jay DeMerit – England</li>
<li>Carlos Bocanegra – US/England/France</li>
<li>Landon Donovan – Germany/US</li>
<li>Michael Bradley – US/Holland/Germany</li>
<li>Benny Feilhaber – Germany/England/Denmark</li>
<li>Stuart Holden – US</li>
<li>Clint Dempsey – US/England</li>
<li>Jozy Altidore – US/Spain/England</li>
</ul>
US Reserves (Club Team Country)
<ul>
<li>Brad Guzon – US/England</li>
<li>Steve Cherundelo – Germany</li>
<li>Jermaine Jones – Germany</li>
<li>Fernando Torres – Mexico</li>
<li>Maurice Edu – US/Scotland</li>
<li>Robbie Findley – US</li>
<li>Conor Casey – Germany/US</li>
</ul>
With Holden and possibly Donovan set to go to Europe in the January transfer window, this diversity of experience will continue.&nbsp; With the US learning under different systems, playing against different types of players, and refining different skill sets, they are more apt to absorb the challenges of international tournament like the World Cup.
Does this mean the US will win the game on June 12?&nbsp; There is no crystal ball for that.&nbsp; The only statistical theory that Kuper and Syzmanski could say about that game is that the team that scores the most goals will come out ahead.&nbsp; However, according to Kuper and Syzmanski, the US is coming on fast and England is a stagnant, creaking soccer power.&nbsp; Over time, if this trend continues, the US will certainly overtake England on the world stage.&nbsp; The question is whether that Rubicon is crossed on June 12 in Rustenberg or sometime a little further down the road.

US vs England – A Soccernomics Analysis

US vs England – A Soccernomics Analysis - World Soccer Talk

<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/epl-logo1.jpg" title="epllogo"><div><figure class="external-image"><img align="left" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/epl-logo1.jpg" alt="epllogo"></figure></div></a>Fans of the English Premier League&nbsp;need little reassurance that the English top flight consistently provides excitement and interest that is matched by no other domestic league.&nbsp; Any dissenters or doubters just had to tune into some EPL coverage over the weekend to be rewarded with a full slate of action packed games which, in several instances, featured late game drama that had considerable impact, particularly at the top of the table.&nbsp;
A quick review of the Saturday timeline:
(Note the match between Hull and Arsenal was the late game but the goals have been included in the timeline as it is based on the 90 minute game clock of the Saturday action)
4 mins:&nbsp; WBA take the lead against&nbsp;Middlesbrough courtesy of Chris Brunt to get them on their way. 
11 mins:&nbsp; Danny Collins scores for Sunderland at home to in-form Villa. 
30 mins:&nbsp; Emmanuel Adebayor gives a rejuvenated looking Gunners side the lead at the KC.
HT:&nbsp; All other games goalless which meant Man Unt were being held at Bolton and Chelsea were tied at home to Stoke.
52 mins:&nbsp; Pablo Zabaleta scores for Man City at home against Wigan to relieve a little of the Eastlands pressure. 
54 mins:&nbsp; Richard Dunne gets sent off making the task that much harder for&nbsp;City. 
54 mins:&nbsp; Robert Koren adds to Gareth Southgate’s problems as WBA take a 2-0 lead. 
60 mins:&nbsp; James Milner pulls Villa level at the Stadium of Light. 
60 mins:&nbsp; Rory Delap gets in behind the Chelsea defense and Stoke, yet to win away this season, take the lead at the Bridge.
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/delap.jpg" title="delap"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" width="282" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/delap.jpg" alt="delap" height="214"></figure></div></a> 
61 mins:&nbsp; Benny McCarthy scores from the spot and Blackburn grab the advantage against Big Sam’s ex-team. 
62 mins:&nbsp; From bad to worse at the Hawthorns for ‘Boro as Didier Digard sees red. 
65 mins:&nbsp; After being denied a penalty shout, Hull equalize through Daniel Cousin and Arsenal appear to be on the back foot. 
66 mins:&nbsp; Jason Roberts doubles Blackburn’s lead against Newcastle. 
67 mins:&nbsp; Koren gets his second and Brom’s third, and Boro’ are well beaten. 
72 mins:&nbsp; Villa star Ashley Young is sent off with the match still locked at one each. 
80 mins:&nbsp; Gareth Barry scores from the spot and short-handed Villa grab the lead.
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/barry.jpg" title="barry"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/barry.jpg" alt="barry"></figure></div></a> 
82 mins:&nbsp; Arsenal get back in front at Hull through Samir Nasri as they look to avenge their defeat at The Emirates.
&nbsp;<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/nasri.jpg" title="nasri"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/nasri.jpg" alt="nasri"></figure></div></a> 
83 mins:&nbsp; Nicky Butt gets his orders at Ewood Park ending any unlikely Newcastle comeback. 
86 mins:&nbsp; Roberts gets another and Big Sam’s vengeance is complete. 
86 mins:&nbsp; Nicklas Bendtner finishes a sweeping Arsenal attack and there’s no way back for Hull. 
88 mins:&nbsp; Juliano Belletti, minutes after fluffing a free-kick opportunity, nods in an equalizer and Phil S. breathes a huge sigh of relief.
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/belletti.jpg" title="belletti"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" width="471" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/belletti.jpg" alt="belletti" height="352" style="width: 344px;height: 225px"></figure></div></a> 
90 mins:&nbsp; Dimitar Berbatov heads in a last gasp winner for the defending champs and they are back on top of the table.
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/bolton-v-manchester-united-dimitar-berbatov-p_1794736.jpg" title="berbatov"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/bolton-v-manchester-united-dimitar-berbatov-p_1794736.jpg" alt="berbatov"></figure></div></a>
90 mins:&nbsp; Frank Lampard hits a ferocious drive and, despite a&nbsp;valiant effort, Stoke will leave the capital empty handed.
&nbsp;<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/lampardgoal.jpg" title="lampardgoal"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" width="507" src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/lampardgoal.jpg" alt="lampardgoal" height="256"></figure></div></a><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/lampardgoal.jpg" title="lampardgoal"></a>
Seven goals in the last 10 minutes and all four of the top five teams that were in action left it late before securing victory.&nbsp; The strikes by Berbatov and Lampard, though similar in terms of the manner in which they secured the points, appeared to have somewhat different ratifications.&nbsp; United’s&nbsp;goal was reminiscent of typical title contending squads in securing a game that they were expected to win.&nbsp; In contrast, Lampard’s late score brought massive relief to both the Chelsea faithful and Phil Scolari alike.&nbsp; Some of the home fans were headed for the local even before Belletti equalized assuming that Stoke had secured their first away victory of the season at their expense, as the Blues had appeared to be out of ideas.&nbsp; But, the team continued to battle and after the comeback the manner in which Lampard and his mates headed to the bench to celebrate with Big Phil seemed to be a direct statement to dispel recent reports that the relationship between Scolari and his players had soured.
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chelseacelebrate2.jpg" title="lampard"></a><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chelseacelebrate2.jpg" title="lampard">
<div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chelseacelebrate2.jpg" alt="lampard"></figure></div>
</a><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chelseacelebrate2.jpg" title="lampard"></a>
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/chelseacelebrate2.jpg" title="lampard"></a>This past weekend&nbsp;was another&nbsp;example of the ongoing excitement and drama that can be found around the English Premier League on any given week, even during the grinding winter months of the fixture list. This appears to be more evident in the 2008-09 season as the league is packed tighter than it has ever been this late into the calendar.&nbsp;
Saturday’s action was followed by an intriguing matchup at White Hart Lane on Sunday as Harry welcomed his former club but watched in frustration as Pompey earned a deserved point.&nbsp; West Ham continued their recent revival as they dispatched Fulham 3-1 behind an inspired performance by Carlton Cole; and the first of&nbsp;two Merseyside derbies in the space of a week is still to come.&nbsp; Bring on the drama, and as always feel free to comment and record your thoughts on the weekend action.&nbsp; Cheers!
<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/nasri.jpg" title="nasri"></a>

A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League

A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League - World Soccer Talk

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January Transfer Window: What Will Happen?

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US vs England – A Soccernomics Analysis

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A Weekend of Drama in the English Premier League